Chapter 99 (2/2)

『Caught you』

The opera lasted for nearly three hours, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed it. They were still immersed in the melody even after the prince and princess got together in the finale.

Qi Mu had never performed while being ignored before. He trailed after the other members of the orchestra and bowed to the audience.

Though they were ignored, Qi Mu was still satisfied he got to play 《The Magic Flute》 freely to his utmost content.

Thunderous applause broke out in the opera house, and the bright atmosphere became even warmer. Accompanied by the praise, the orchestra members exited the pit one after the other, officially ending the night’s show.

Farrell pounced as soon as he walked backstage. He laughed, “Angel, you did great tonight! I couldn’t hear it completely, but from how perfectly seamless it was. . . I guess you did quite a difficult trick, didn’t you? Like abandoning the E-string?”

Although the maestro’s hearing wasn’t as superb as Min Chen’s, Farrell was much more skilled at the violin than the younger conductor. Though Min Chen could hear Qi Mu’s sound amongst the rest, he couldn’t guess the technique like Farrell did.

And, even if Farrell couldn’t hear it, he could guess from experience.

Qi Mu didn’t try to hide it. “Yes, Mr. Farrell. I thought the second piece of the third act would lag a bit if played on the E-string. I worried it would be noticeable, so. . . I tried playing it on the D.”

Farrell nodded and praised him, “You’re really fast, Angel. I think, in a few years, even I wouldn’t be able to keep up with your left hand. Being young is so nice! Angel, I think you’re more suited to orchestra than opera, but it’s a pity. . . There doesn’t seem to be an orchestra in want of a new concertmaster right now.”

Akkad said the same thing half a year earlier, so Qi Mu just smiled and didn’t pay much mind to it. “Mr. Farrell, as you said, I’m still young. And I don’t care much about these things right now.”

Such a confident, calm young man made Farrell all the better about him. After a few more words of praise, the old man remembered, “Oh yeah, Angel. It’s late now, so the celebration party will be held tomorrow instead. You were informed, right?”

Qi Mu smiled and nodded, “Yes, Jenny told me yesterday.”

“Well, it’s already this late so, come home with me,” Farrell added, “Audrey must have prepared a good red wine and is waiting for us to go back and celebrate. I’ll wait for you at the gate.”

Qi Mu’s expression shifted.

A flash of hesitation appeared on his face, and he said, “Mr. Farrell. . . I’ll go back alone tonight. I have something to deal with.”

Farrell thought for a moment then understood. Smiling teasingly, he asked, “What’s wrong? You want to talk to Auston? Angel, I’ve known him for over a decade. Though he doesn’t have a gentle temperament, he’s really a man worth trusting your life with. If you like him, don’t miss the chance.”

“Yes, yes, yes. I know, Mr. Farrell.”

“Angel, I’m saying this for your sake. Auston is a good man. He’s. . .”

After a full five minutes of lecture, Qi Mu sent away the man who had discovered a love for matchmaking.

Watching the old man’s back, Qi Mu shook his head helplessly, “Me. . . go find him? How is that possible. . .”

Yes, his plans for the night had something to do with him, but. . . Qi Mu wasn’t going to talk to him like Farrell assumed.

Since he was late arriving today, Qi Mu found that aside from the front and rear doors, there was a small side door just big enough for one person to walk through.

This kind of secret entrance was perfect for sneaking off!

Qi Mu crept out the door with his violin case and looked down the deserted street. He took a deep breath and, in a pleasant mood, whispered, “Hmm. . . What fresh air. . .”

A low, magnetic voice rang out, “Well, it’s better than Berlin.”

Qi Mu: “. . .”

The young man’s eyes widened in horror. In disbelief, he stared at the man who spoke.

A handsome man leaned against the brick wall, basking in the moonlight. His keen eyes stared fixed on Qi Mu, strong emotion brewing deep within them. His thin lips curled at the corners with ridicule and laughter.

If it wasn’t Min Chen, who else could it be, ah?!!!

Qi Mu: “. . .”